Implementing STEPS TI program from 01/04/2012 in Srikalahasti, Puttur, Thottambedu, Pichattur, Satyavedu, Nagari, Vijayapuram, Varadaiahpalem and Nindra mandals Supported By Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS).

Target people are Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Male Sex with Male (MSMs).

Objectives

• Reduction of STI prevalence among Key Population and their clients
• Increased condom usage amongst Sex Workers and their clients
• Providing clinical services to the Key Population
• Empowerment of Key Population

Project Activities

Organizing clinical services for STI and Opportunistic infections to the Key Population. Enhanced the knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS among MSMs and FSWs.

Treating STIs and its management at static clinics. Improving STI treatment-seeking behavior among the identified MSMs and FSWs and increased their access to treatment services.

Enabling communities to reduce the spread of HIV and to lessen the impact of AIDS. Improving quality of life through empowerment of key population to manage sustainable community level responses.

Empowerment of Key Population to follow safe sex behavior, practices through behavior change communication and other preventive interventions (e.g. street plays, exhibitions).

Improving knowledge on transmission of HIV infections amongst the identified MSMs through behavior change communication and other preventive interventions. Facilitating linkages with HIV testing and care & support services for the MSM tested positive.

Improving the use of condom and practice of safe sex by promoting condoms through social marketing among key population. Establishing a condoms & lubricant distribution system for easy accessibility by MSMs/FSWs and their sexual partners/clients

Developing linkages to access HIV related services, ongoing programs and activities of the development programs and the HIV prevention initiatives in the state. This included, referrals to ICTC and ART, provision of resource directories of available services.

Achievements